For that race, I ran solo and felt like a total loner because I hardly knew any of the others in my group nor did I have many friends back home.

For this race, I ran solo and felt totally loved by supportive friends, both my roommates and those back home! Oh, the magic of running.

Before I jump in, be sure to later check out my Disney Princess 5k video recap for the total scoop! And please subscribe because I have a lot of content and new topic ideas up my sleeve for the upcoming months.

Now, picking up where I left off in my Fit for a Princess Recap, I actually went to sleep quickly on Thursday night, thanks to a tip from one of our YouTube subscribers to drink Sleepy Time Tea with melatonin. (Thanks, Nicole!) Since our goal was to make one of the first buses in order to get plenty of pre-race character photos, we set our alarms for 2:30. (Well, mine was a little sooner so I could start the coffee maker. Momma’s gotta have her Joe.)

For my costume, Kelly, Stephanie, and I kicked around many ideas, but we picked a Star Wars theme because a.) Stephanie had an adorable Princess Leia costume that she’s never worn, b.) Kelly had both a R2D2 for herself and a Darth Vader costume to loan to me, and c.) this meant I didn’t have to do any work or buy anything. Sounded like a winner to me! And I was very grateful for the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Brooke ears I had just purchased which topped it off to perfection.

Skirt: Sparkle Athletic

Cape: Sparkle Athletic

Tank Top: Hot Topic (no longer available)

Ears: Bibbidi Bobbidi Brooke

Now, you’d think with eight ladies doing the same race, it’d be a chaotic mess, but Bay Lake Tower and its three bathrooms made this a breeze! We didn’t quite hit our goal, though, so by the time we made it to the family gathering area, the character lines were already ridiculously long! So we only had time for one.

Our choice? A princess, of course!

I just love this picture of Snow White curtsying to Aurora, aka, my friend, Michelle’s daughter! So adorable!

While shooting some video in line, I heard someone calling my name. It was my friend, Donna, who is a fellow Team Shenanigans member and Maryland friend! She only lives about thirty minutes from me, but we don’t meet until we’re in Florida. Go figure.

After some welcoming words from John, Carissa, and Rudy, we headed to our corrals … rather late!

Megan was running with her daughter, Caitlyn, for their second runDisney 5k together. When I asked how the Princess 5k compared to Super Heroes, she said you have to get up earlier and it’s more crowded. Yep and yep!

A volunteer told us that Corral A had already left, filling us with total panic, so we took off running. Even me. On my bad foot. Dumb. Didn’t hurt, but still dumb considering we had plenty of time to hear the pre-show, watch another preview for Beauty and the Beast, (which, by the way, I’M SO EXCITED to see,) and hear the National Anthem sung by a gal with one gorgeous voice.

Soon, the wheelchair competitors and first wave of Corral A were off!

There were three waves in Corral A, with the first getting the big shebang of fireworks and the following ones a smaller show. I do think this is a good idea, although it made our start a tad bit less exciting. But if it helps with crowding on the course, I’m all for it!

And we’re off!

Despite my worries of this sounding whiny … it really sucked seeing my friends run off with me hobbling behind.

It really sucked.

But, such is life … it was what is was, so I brushed aside my disappointment and focused on having an amazing time. And look at these costumes! Adorable!

And whatever lingering disappointment completely vanished when I was able to meet Jennalyn, one of our YouTube subscribers, while waiting for a photo with Meeko. She is so awesome and kind, reminding me of exactly why I write for this blog and shoot videos!! Absolutely made my morning, so thank you, Jennalyn!!

Now, you’d think I would have taken a picture of us, but nope, just video. #BloggerFail So my apologies for the lower quality screenshot!

But I was on my vlogger game when I noticed Christine from Runs In Tutus up ahead. Her video is the one I referred to in our Running Costumes Tips post and video, plus she’s really sweet! Nice to finally meet her.

Mile 1, done!!

Soon we came to my absolute favorite part of the race … going through Epcot’s World Showcase! I always get chills when we go through the trees, see the lights up ahead, and hear that park music. It never gets old!

Up ahead was a character line. I had no clue who for, but I stopped anyway. It was tough enough having to walk. I was determined to get every single character picture during the 5k and some during the 10k!

LOL, it was the Vikings! There were no Photopass photographers there, so mine turned out rather bright.

Stephanie and Kelly’s was pretty awesome, though! (Sniff.) I really missed running with them this year!

Anyway, moving on.

Move on, I did, strolling through World Showcase, absorbing every single magical moment, like the Cast Member’s out to cheer us on, the groups of runners having a blast together, and the families dressed in coordinating costumes!

And who’s that up ahead? Dopey? His photo line was INSANE but I had to stop, if only to let him know I was running his Dopey Challenge next January.

At the next character stop, I noticed a familiar face behind me. Sara’s! So she filmed me while I FaceTimed Rob while waiting for Abu.

I had tried Jackey as well, but she wasn’t picking up after working a late shift. And Megan, well, she was busy doing this…

Cute one with Abu!

We did have some concerns over the time limit. The Princess 5k had never been swept before, but the way runDisney’s website states how you must maintain a minimum 16 mile minute pace had me worried if things were going to be different.

One of us was not concerned, though.

Still, that didn’t stop me for having a quick chat with Perla from Cinderella! She was looking rather festive.

But those worries returned when I came upon the Mile 2 marker. 1:33?? Eek!

Plus the crowds were getting really thick. I can say that walking these races have truly rounded out my perspective by showing me what it’s like being a back of the corral runner. But I’m going to get into that in a later post. ‘Cause it’s gonna be deep, y’all, real deep.

I did get a phone call from a red booth, though. It was my medal calling. Saying I better hurry the heck up!

There’s always time for a #JoyfulJumpshot though! I had to stick with one-legged ones with low air, but come on. A race weekend with no jump shots? Impossible!

I then entered Future World, where two crazy women ran up behind me, nearly scaring the poo out of me! Once again, it was Ann and her friend, Jamie, adorably dressed as Elsa and Olaf!

Of course, we had to try for a #JoyfulJumpshot together. We need to work on our timing for next time!

Better!

And speaking of jump shots, I absolutely LOVE this! How precious, it’s one of my favorite photos from the entire weekend … and I wasn’t even in it!

Megan and her daughter, Caitlyn also got into the #JoyfulJumpshot action. Can you tell that Caitlyn dances?

If you have any great jump shots, be sure to tag them with #JoyfulJumpshots so we can give you a shout out! We love them!

Afterwards, Anne and Jamie ran ahead to get in line at the next character stop so we could get one together. I was so happy to see the colorful fish and corral from Nemo up ahead!

But first … a traditional photo. I didn’t attempt a fish face, though, because all I’m capable of is a #FishFaceFail … which is not a good look for me. #Vain

Anne and Jamie were sweet and offered to walk with me for a while longer, but I assured them I’m a big girl who’s okay on her own, but thank you! Besides. I never want to keep another from their own race goals or hold anyone back.

Now. About those sweeping fears. See the part of the course where it loops in a circle?

On the way back to the middle of Future World, I did notice a few golf carts with one holding a few participants who were allowed to rejoin the course without having to circle around the West side where Soarin and Nemo are. So while there is a sweep during the Princess 5k, you aren’t necessary pulled from the course, which I think is very cool.

This also meant I was close to finishing myself which brought me great joy, seeing as how my roommates had probably left by then and I was ready to see that finish line.

And the volunteers. I love how they kept up their enthusiasm until the very end!

And these sheriffs!! They were great!

Whoa, there was quite the crowd around the Mile 3 marker, which was a reminder of how big of an accomplishment this race can be to others. After doing many halves, and fulls over the past five years, this reminded me just how monumental it is to finish your first 5k. So congratulations and a major woo-HOO to all of you!

And this moment. THIS MOMENT. Talk about tugging at my heartstrings!!

Soon I was looking right at some awesome sights! The finish line…

…and John Pelkey, Rudy Novotny, and the DJ, (I seriously need to learn his name because he’s great,) at the finish line! Because of my costume, John asked if I was going to be at the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge in April, and my enthusiasm kind of gave the impression that I was. Which I’m not.

I wish I were. But I’m not. Oops.

Still, after crossing the finish line the DJ played The Imperial March and John announced that it was for the Darth Vader who had just finished. Seriously??? How can you not love these guys??

And the volunteers. They are always awesome, always amazing … even when Mickey ears give them a bit of a challenge putting a medal on. 😉

After getting my gorgeous pink Mrs. Potts inspired medal, I went to film some commentary, summarizing the race like always for my video recaps.

Then it happened.

A minor meltdown, with me getting teary over still not being able to run and having to walk yet another race. Was it a bit dramatic? Yes. I mean, after all, there are bigger problems in the world other than me having to walk a race while in sunny Florida, surrounded by wonderful friends, kindred spirits, and magical moments at every turn.

But at that moment … I was tapped out. DONE with being injured. DONE with not running since, I’ll admit it, I’m a competitive person who doesn’t like being at the back of the crowd. So I got misty. And since I’ve made the decision to never hold back while vlogging, I included it in my video.

However, I soon brushed aside those emotions so I could enjoy the moment and live in the now, which included getting a photo with my medal, gathering my snack box, and getting in line for one last character photo!

I WILL be running by next year!!

Afterwards, the 5k came to an end with lines closed and the DJ saying his goodbyes with warnings of the bus service ending soon. So I headed back to Bay Lake Towers … where I had yet another mini-breakdown over still being injured. But thankfully, Shannon and Stephanie were there to quickly pick my spirits back up with hugs and understanding. And after a glorious nap and shower, I joined up with them at Animal Kingdom for some fun before heading to Magic Kingdom for dinner at Be Our Guest.

With that, I better wrap up this very long, very photo-heavy blog post and gear up to write my next one about the Princess Enchanted 10k! But first…

QOTD: Did you (or have you ever) participate in Disney’s 2017 Princess 5k? If so, please share your favorite part in the comments below!

And as always, thanks for reading and have a joyful day!

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About the author:
Laura is a writer, runner, reader, runDisney addict, blogger, vlogger, wife to an amazing guy for 26 years, mom of two wonderful boys, excellent chili maker, and obsessive list keeper. She still thinks Spice World was an awesome movie and feels no shame about that plus she can quote most lines from Talladega Nights. Shake and bake!

Wow, what a great post Laura! Your pictures are amazing and really put into perspective the fact that I NEVER take pictures during the run. We might need to run together at some point just so I know I’ll end up with pictures! Haha! And seriously, this is kind of crazy, but we were at Animal Kingdom on Friday. One of these days I’ll catch up with you. Congratulations on finishing another great race. I know it’s not the way you wanted to, but you did it and with absolutely adorable pictures along the way!

LOL, yes, a benefit of running a race with me is that I will take tons of pictures and video to capture it! The downside, however, is that I’m always stopping to take tons of video and pictures. 😉

Yes, we do need to catch up one day! Are you doing the Disneyland Half per chance? And thanks – it definitely wasn’t the race I wanted, but I’m so grateful for the race I got! I’m figuring there’s a reason behind all this. 😃

Laura~
I’m getting caught up on your posts this weekend. Your 5K blog/ video brought me to tears… happy tears. I think for two reasons. The first reason was because when I watched the video I was running the 5k over again and that race made me so happy. I ran the 5K with my 15 year old son and a few others and we had an amazing time- great memories for sure! The other reason I teared up was because you teared up at the end. I think it would be yucky to see your friends running without you at the beginning and an injury can be so mentally exhausting. I was thinking if I had not run that 5K with my family I would have stayed with you! I know for sure it would have been so much fun as I take a million pictures and I don’t care about my run time in Disney!!
Thank you so much for including me in your video and blog. I’m bummed I won’t see you and Jackey at DDD and have to wait for Dopey to visit with you again (unless you decide to go to Tinkerbell??? 🙂
Can’t wait to see the 10k and Half recaps and I’ll tweet some jump shots your way soon- I love jump shots!!!
Your “super fan” friend~
Jennalyn

Hey Jennalyn! I’m so glad you and your family had a blast running the 5k! One of these days, I’d love to do one with my husband and sons … but that’s highly unlikely. 😉 I’m also glad my video brought back fond memories – which proves you need to make one as well next time! They take a lot of time but it’s great being able to preserve those moments. 🙂
I’d LOVE to do Tinker Bell again, but probably not until 2019 when I hope to run all the races that year to celebrate turning 50. Instead, you’ll have to join us on the channel to talk about your adventure!
And now that I’m on an impromptu writing retreat, I need to catch up with things, including those #joyfuljumpshots of yours! Oh, and can you message me that photo of us with Meeko? I’ll replace that with what’s in this post.
Thanks again for your awesome support. I truly appreciate it!
Laura

Hi Laura! I ran my first Disney race this February at the Enchanted 10k and it was a BLAST!! I was so nervous but enjoyed it and took a thousand pictures and videos. Your blog and youtube videos are what inspired me to start running. About a year ago, I came across your blog and videos and decided to sign up for a race myself without having ran in years. I started training for 6 miles and am so much happier and healthier now that running is a part of my every day life. You are so inspiring. Next year I plan to do the Princess 5k with my sister and the Enchanted 10k again. My goal is to do the half marathon before I graduate college in a few years 🙂 We will see! I also want to sign up for the Star Wars 10k next April! Loved this recap, I can’t wait to see the rest of them too!! Keep up the work girl!!

Oh wow, that puts the biggest smile on my face, knowing you found inspiration from my videos!!! That’s exactly why I do them. And major congrats for finishing the Enchanted 10k! Now you need to put those pictures and footage in your own recap video so I can see your adventure and you can inspire other. 🙂 So glad you’re doing both the 5k and 10k next year and absolutely, you’ll be able to pound out a half marathon no problem long before you graduate!

You’re the sweetest! I will have to keep an eye out for you next year and make sure to say hi! You actually inspired me to do a recap post and video!!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4hqgBjp30c) Keep up the good work!

I know how you feel. My ITBS was so bad in 2014, I had to walk the WDW half. OK, so I probably shouldn’t have even started the race, but I’m stubborn that way. It was difficult to watch friends and family take off since we started in the same corral, and all I could do was walk. I was so relieved when I finished.

Yes, us runners are stubborn at times! I did make the wise decision to back out of this past weekend’s Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, although there was some moping and pouting going on. 😉 But watching everyone take off really is horrible and never has a race felt so long! Here’s hoping that I heal and your ITBS issues stay far, far away. 🙂

Will be walking the Princess 5k with my daughter this Feb and came across your blog. I’m happy to see that you walked AND stopped AND took pics along the way and it wasnt a problem. Disney’s website says you need to keep a 16 min mile, but when you were almost 30 min after your first mile that gave me hope! Plus they allow kids as young as 5 to be in it. I can walk a 5k in an hour, but it’s nice to see that I can stop along the way to take pics without fear of being “swept up” with the crowd. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome and so happy to hear that you’ll be doing the 5k with your daughter! It will be a memory of a lifetime! I do love how the 5k races are wonderful for families. I would suggest being careful at the starting line, though, by keeping her in front of you while bigger runners take off. The herd will clear very quickly but there can be moments of crowding. Have fun and be sure to let us know how it goes!

Welcome to Joyful Miles! We’re Jackey and Laura, two runners and BibRave Pros who became great friends through runDisney events and share the belief that life’s too short to hide your crazy. Here’s where we chat about running, fitness, runDisney, healthy living, and enjoying life one mile at a time!

💖PROJECT PINK💖 I love how @oofos donates 3% of every pair of #OOFOS sold on www.oofos.com directly towards the Dana-Farber Breast Cancer Research Team!! 💞 To learn more about #ProjectPink and its creator, Duncan Finigan, head to our blog where I share her bio video. IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY and if you’re already an OOFOS fan, happy to support this amazing cause! 💗 >>Link is in our bio! #feeltheOO #breastcancerawareness #beatbreastcancer
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PODCAST NEWS: In case you haven’t listened to our latest episode, we’re taking a podcast break for the summer in order to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge! We’ll be back in September with lots to chat about. Until then, have an AMAZING summer and thanks for your support! 😘☀️⛱ #JoyfulMiles #podcast #takeabreak
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